Passengers across the globe have been affected by numerous cancellations over recent weeks, as Covid-19 affects the number of available flight crew for some carriers.
Irish passengers have had a tough run since the busy travel season began with Dublin Airport delays and a slew of cancelled trips.
However, some passengers who had to endure long delays for their rescheduled flights may be eligible for compensation, according to an Irish travel expert.
Speaking to Newstalk’s Lunchtime Live, Eoghan Corry said that people’s rights are very clear so there is no confusion on whether or not you’re owed compensation.
"Up to two weeks in advance, they can cancel without any penalty or without any consumer rights implications,” he explained.
"After two weeks, they really have to watch what they cancel - because cancelling at short notice, they can be required to pay compensation and also to face out-of-pocket expenses.
"You do have compensation rights if it falls outside of what is regarded as extraordinary circumstances by the airline".
He says about 27% of airlines have only informed customers of a cancellation with less than six hours' notice.
"In Aer Lingus' case, it's the crew having a Covid illness - sometimes it's a tech failure.
"TUI - the big tour operator - have had a bit of a problem with three of their aircraft in hospital in the last month or so.
"But generally you get more than the six hours notice.
"Airlines will always be in a position if something goes wrong, that they're going to have to cancel at short notice.
"They have a very clear, defined set of obligations - and it's set out by the hour: cups of coffee, phone calls.
"It goes all the way up to overnight, and it goes up to compensation as well if it's not extraordinary circumstances.
"So being cancelled at short notice, the airline has a duty to get you to where you're supposed to go.
Despite this, Corry reassured Irish passengers that: "More than 98% of our flights are running, which is good by European standards.”
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